Maricopa County Parks and Recreation: Discovery Station – What is the City Nature Challenge?

Stop by an information table where Ranger Derik will teach you how to use your phone to identify and document your nature findings to help the scientific community. Ranger Derik will host a drop-in information table to get you on your way to becoming a Citizen Scientist using the free iNaturalist app that identifies and documents nature photos that you take with your phone. Learn about flowers, trees, birds, bugs and even fungi around you while creating a digital log of all the cool nature specimens you’ve seen on your adventures, along with their locations and dates seen. At the same time, you will create an online biodiversity record for the scientific community to use in studying populations, occurrence ranges, seasonal changes and more! Due to limited connectivity in parks, it is advised to download the iNaturalist app while on wi-fi before arriving at the park. This information session can help you prepare for the annual City Nature Challenge, where Team Phoenix will compete with cities around the world to upload on iNaturalist the greatest number of species from April 24-27. Wear closed-toe shoes, a hat and sunscreen if you are hiking afterwards and bring plenty of water. Restrooms and water are available at the Discovery Center. Precise Meeting Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/egZqVT9PxKpsKNqe6 No registration required.   Part of Greater Phoenix City Nature Challenge 2026